Business Mangement

 In Portugal, the dean of the country’s leading business school is especially well-equipped to lead the next generation of students into the AI Revolution.

“For many decades, digital wasn’t part of the MBA core, but now, bringing digital skills to MBAs is critical,” says Jose Esteves, dean of the Porto Business School at the University of Porto.

Esteves is a true pioneer of AI, having studied the topic for 30 years, going back to when it was purely theoretical.

DIGITAL SKILLS ARE A CRITICAL PART OF AN MBA

Jose Esteves: “Students need to understand that in two to three years, technical skills will be outdated. We need to focus on soft skills.” Courtesy photo

As a software engineer by trade, Esteves has long been at the forefront of digital innovation, serving as both CEO and chief innovation officer at various companies. He has also been a professor at neighboring Spain’s IE Business School.

Now, he’s driving a major shift in business education at Porto School of Business, where students are encouraged to discover the unknown.

“That’s a different mindset than the mindset we were taught when I was pursuing my MBA,” Esteves tells Poets&Quants.

While some business schools emphasize teaching the processes behind AI through digital information, Esteves says PBS teaches for digital transformation.

While they still teach students how to use AI as a tool, this next-level way of thinking is essential for keeping up with the way that AI is radically transforming work processes, Esteves says.

In fact, AI is affecting the business landscape so significantly that Porto finds it integral for all students to study it, which they do in their core course “AI For Business.”

ETHICAL LEADERSHIP ESSENTIAL AS AI DEVELOPS FURTHER

As AI is rapidly transforming the business landscape, teaching ethical leadership is now more important than ever. “We need to get to another level of responsible management.”

Machines already have primarily function roles in some organizations, heading tasks like invoicing, travel planning, and word processing to name a few things, says Esteves.

“Students need to understand that in two to three years, technical skills will be outdated. We need to focus on soft skills, because it’s something that AI isn’t going to be an expert at or replace in humans.”

CONNECTED TO THE COMMUNITY

Deciding which roles are best suited for humans and which are better handled by machines is easier said than done, but navigating these challenges becomes easier when you have the kind of close-knit partnerships and strong community support that Porto does.

“We sometimes become so global that we disconnect from the local community around us. Here at PBS, you don’t see that,” says Esteves.

While some MBA programs often pair students with companies at the end of their degree to tackle real-world challenges, Porto integrates this experience midway through the program through their Business Impact Challenge. Why mid-program? The goal is to help MBAs forge connections and build lasting relationships early on.

“Students really love this because they haven’t yet finished their MBA and they can already see how they will translate their knowledge to real situations,” Esteves says.

 The results of the US presidential election have injected a large dose of uncertainty into the global arena. Yet uncertain times often present the ideal opportunity to invest in yourself—and an MBA is one of the smartest ways to future-proof your career.

While markets reacted favorably to the business-friendly agenda of the new administration, questions remain about the global business environment. Despite potential trade tariffs and shifting policies, one thing is certain: business will remain an international endeavor. As the former admissions director at INSEAD, I have long been an advocate of the benefits of an international business school education, and in the current environment, it’s a perfect time to consider earning an MBA abroad. 

Whether you’re drawn to Europe, Asia, or beyond, international MBA programs offer distinct advantages, from often exceptional ROI to immersive global leadership training and unparalleled diversity in the classroom. Add to that the shorter program lengths and later deadlines offered by many international schools, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Why An International MBA?

International MBA programs, particularly those in Europe, stand out for several reasons:

1. Impressive ROI: One-year programs, common in Europe, allow for quicker returns on investment with significantly lower opportunity costs.
2. Global Perspective: International MBA programs immerse you in diverse environments, fostering cross-cultural understanding critical for leadership in today’s globalized world.
3. Diverse Classmates: Sharing a classroom with peers from dozens of countries enriches your learning experience and builds a global network for life.

If you’re considering studying abroad, here’s why Europe—and international MBA programs in general—deserve a spot on your shortlist.

1. Exceptional ROI With Shorter Programs

Many European MBA programs offer a condensed, one-year format that delivers top-tier education while minimizing the cost of lost wages. Schools like INSEAD, HEC Paris, and Cambridge Judge have built a reputation for delivering high salaries and fast payback periods. INSEAD pioneered the one-year MBA, while LBS offers flexible options to complete its MBA in 15, 18, or 21 months, catering to various career goals.

The latest Financial Times ranking shows that European MBA graduates typically reach their payback point within three years—an advantage over the 3.5–4+ years it often takes at U.S. schools.

INSEAD comes in at #2 in the Financial Times 2024 Global MBA rankings, with SDA Bocconi School of Management, IESE, and London Business School (LBS) all in the top 10.

HEC Paris, ranked sixth globally in the 2025 QS Global MBA Rankings, boasts a near-perfect ROI rating, outperforming the pricy U.S. heavyweights like Stanford GSB and Wharton. With lower costs and competitive outcomes, the value proposition of a European MBA is hard to beat.

2. Global Exposure And Career Opportunities

International MBA programs like INSEAD, London Business School (LBS), and IESE place a premium on global leadership training. Their diversity is unmatched: INSEAD’s MBA program includes students from over 80 countries, while LBS’s class is 91% international, representing 63 nationalities.

This exposure prepares graduates for careers that span continents, offering access to deeply connected alumni networks and top-tier global recruiters. European programs often go beyond the classroom with global immersion trips, projects, and partnerships, from LBS’s global hubs to IESE’s affiliations with 15 business schools worldwide. These schools often serve as a springboard to an international career: INSEAD graduates take up positions in over 60 countries around the world each year. 

3. Flexible Timing And Later Deadlines

Timing is another compelling advantage. European schools typically have later application deadlines than their U.S. counterparts. Many, like IMD, INSEAD and HEC Paris, offer January intakes, allowing students to start their MBA journey without waiting for the next academic year.

For instance, INSEAD’s January 2026 intake deadlines extend to August 2025, while HEC Paris encourages early applications but accommodates rolling deadlines. This flexibility can be a lifeline for candidates who need more time to apply or investigate funding options.

Schools like IE Business School in Madrid and IMD in Switzerland accept applications on a rolling basis, further easing the process for international candidates.

Beyond Europe: Expanding Horizons

While European schools dominate global rankings, strong MBA programs can be found worldwide, particularly in Asia and India—regions that are expected to drive business growth in the 21st century. Programs in these areas often offer lower tuition and living costs, adding to their appeal. CEIBS in Shanghai, HKUST in Hong Kong and NUS in Singapore all offer popular MBA programs. 

Top schools from the US and Europe have also expanded their global footprints, for example INSEAD’s MBA program in Singapore, NYU Stern’s one-year MBA in Abu Dhabi and Kellogg’s Guanghua-Kellogg EMBA in China.

What You Need To Know

Applying to an international MBA program comes with unique considerations. Be prepared to demonstrate cross-cultural competency and international experience in your application. Language requirements and visa processes also vary, so research thoroughly to ensure a smooth transition.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an international MBA is a strategic investment in your future. In an interconnected world, the skills, experiences, and networks gained from a globally focused MBA will pay dividends for years to come.

Ready to explore your options? At Fortuna Admissions, we specialize in helping candidates craft compelling applications for top MBA programs worldwide. Schedule a free consultation with one of Fortuna’s expert coaches today. We’ll help you identify the right schools, craft a winning application strategy, and make your MBA dreams a reality.

 Microsoft’s November 2024 Patch Tuesday has 89 vulnerabilities, of which 51 are Remote Code Execution. SonicWall Capture Labs threat research team has analyzed and addressed Microsoft’s security advisories for the month of November2024 and has produced coverage for 6 of the reported vulnerabilities

Vulnerabilities with Detections

Release Breakdown

The vulnerabilities can be classified into following categories:

For November there are 4 critical, 84 Important and 1 moderate vulnerability.

Microsoft tracks vulnerabilities that are being actively exploited at the time of discovery and those that have been disclosed publicly before the patch Tuesday release for each month. The above chart displays these metrics as seen each month.

Release Detailed Breakdown

Defense in Depth Vulnerabilities

Denial of Service Vulnerabilities

Elevation of Privilege Vulnerabilities 

Information Disclosure Vulnerabilities 

Remote Code Execution Vulnerabilities 

Security Feature Bypass Vulnerabilities 

Spoofing Vulnerabilities